SWU News:

November 10, 2004

SWU administrator applauded by women’s club

Dr. Gloria Bell

Years of achievement in higher education were the focus of honor for Southern Wesleyan University’s Dr. Gloria Bell, academic vice president and dean.

The Easley Business and Professional Women’s Club awarded Bell first runner up for Pickens County Career Woman of the Year at a banquet at Smithfield Country Club.

“I can think of no greater honor than to be recognized by one’s colleagues and peers,” Bell said.

First place winner was Dr. C. Lynn Lewis, sponsored by the City of Liberty. Other nominees included Sheree Chapman, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Easley; Lethea Parker, sponsored by the City of Easley; Jennifer Willis, sponsored by Carolina First Bank; Marie Zambrano, sponsored by the Town of Central; and Faye Nichols, sponsored by Aloe Vera Boutique.

U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett was the keynote speaker at the event. He spoke about the importance and impact of female professionals on his political career and in his personal life. The banquet raised money for scholarships for young women.

The Business and Professional Women’s Club was founded in 1919 and is the leading advocate for working women. With 1,500 local organizations across the country and members in every congressional district, BPW/USA promotes equality for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

Bell, a resident of Central, earned her A.B. at Southern Wesleyan University (formerly Central Wesleyan College); her M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado.

She has been a member of the Southern Wesleyan University faculty since 1977. Bell’s work has appeared in numerous publications and she has completed many academic presentations. Her social involvement includes working with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Service Learning Initiative, South Africa; South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; the Clemson Area Leadership Program; Wesleyan Women in Ministry; Women in Higher Education Network; and American Association of University Women.

During her career, Bell has been a member of Phi Delta Kappa ; received the Susan B. McWhorter Outstanding Woman Professional Award from the Clemson Association of Women Professionals; was a Fellow for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Chief Academic Officers’ Executive Leadership Institute; recognized by the South Carolina/American Council on Education, National Identification Program; was named Professor of the Year at Southern Wesleyan University; South Carolina Distinguished Professor; Clemson Branch AAUW Named Gift Honoree and Outstanding Teacher, University of Alabama at Birmingham.